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Immigrant Services

Indianapolis has a diverse population of immigrants. More than 95,900 immigrants call Indianapolis home, hailing from regions including Central America, Central Africa, Myanmar (Burma), and Haiti.

After making their way to the Hoosier state, they must adjust to a new culture, government, and educational system. The Library is one of many community organizations providing resources and education to immigrants, helping them adapt to their new homes.

Programs in English

Empowerment Session - Understanding Your Rights

Informative workshop focused on understanding important legal protections and resources for immigrants. Sessions cover essential information, answer questions, and provide guidance on navigating the legal landscape. For additional support or questions, please email the Immigrant Welcome Center or call 317-808-2326. See the Empowerment Session - Understand Your Rights schedule.

Haitian Creole Conversation Circle

Beginner Haitian Creole Conversation Circle celebrate diversity, promote cultural exchange, and empower residents to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. This program is presented in partnership with Akor Languages and More. See the Haitian Creole Conversation Circle schedule.

English Conversation Circles

Join our English conversation circles to practice and improve your English skills in a comfortable and welcoming place. We discuss topics on American culture, idioms, phrasal verbs, some grammar, and much more! Facilitators are TESOL trained. See the English Conversation Circle schedule.

Meet Your Neighbor

The Meet your Neighbor series is an opportunity for the community and professionals to learn from leaders in the Indianapolis community about the refugees and immigrants moving to Indianapolis such as the Haitian and Venezuelan communities. Presenters are from Exodus Refugee Immigration Inc, Afghan American Community Center, and Patchwork Indy. Please take a look at our calendar for program dates.

Naturalization Ceremonies

Celebrate the country’s newest citizens at Central Library as they complete the final step toward naturalization – the swearing-in ceremony. Each month, close to 300 new citizens partake in the ceremonies, representing 30+ languages. This special event is hosted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Organizations that help make this day possible are the League of Women Voters and the Immigrant Welcome Center. We are seeking volunteers to greet and direct guests. See information about volunteering at the Naturalization Ceremonies.

Pathway to Literacy: Literacy Level English Classes

Pathway to Literacy is designed for adult English language learners who have 6 years or less of schooling to prepare for future studies. The Immigrant Welcome Center hosts classes around the city in partnership with Exodus Refugee, Indy Reads, Washington Township Adult Education, and The Indianapolis Public Library. Email for more information about Pathway to Literacy.

Programas en Español

Círculos de Conversación en español / Spanish Conversation Circles

Learn Spanish and meet your neighbors in a casual environment. Spanish Conversation Circles offer a place for Spanish speakers of all levels, beginner to advanced, to practice the language. Hosted at Central Library on select Tuesdays in spring 2025. See the Spanish Conversation Circle schedule.

Taller de Educación Financiera / Financial Literacy

Receive information to set financial goals and develop plans to improve your financial well-being. This program is hybrid; You have the option to attend in person or virtually. Sign up to receive the Zoom link. A zoom link will be sent one day before the program. See the Spanish Financial Literacy Classes schedule.

Clases Basicas de Computación en español / Spanish Computer Classes

Receive personal instruction in Spanish to advance your computer skills. Students will learn how to use email, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel. Classes will take place Saturday, March 29 to May 17 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Haughville Branch.

Club de Lectura en español / Spanish Book Club

Read popular literature from the Spanish-speaking world and discuss with your neighbors. Some sessions will even feature visits from the authors! The Book Club is hosted by Mujeres Conectadas. Books are made possible with support from The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. See the Club de Lectura en Español schedule.

Cuentos bilingües / Bilingual Storytimes

Reading to children in their home languages shapes their views on literacy and their home cultures. It is also impactful to read to native English speakers in different languages. Come join us for Bilingual Storytimes in Spanish and Ukrainian. Storytimes occur in various branches in the city. See our Bilingual Storytime schedule.

Programmes en Français

Cours d’informatique de base en français / French Computer Classes

Dans ce programme, vous deviendrez confiant dans l’utilisation de votre appareil et des programmes informatiques pour vous aider à atteindre vos objectifs! Les cours auront lieu du vendredi 7 mars au 25 avril de 11h à 12h30. à la succursale de Eagle. Découvrez les cours d'informatique de base en français et inscrivez-vous.

In this program, you will become confident in using your device and computer programs to help you achieve your goals! Classes will take place from Friday March 7 to April 25 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Eagle branch. Discover basic computer courses in French and register.

More Than a Place Podcast: Celebrating Immigrant Stories

What does it mean to find a home? For many, home is the place where we feel safe, joyful, and welcomed by the people around us. We use our senses and memories to define what it means, every single day. For Indianapolis immigrants, an understanding of home emerges from dreams, sacrifices, and journeys of miles and years. Join us for a special podcast series to explore the diverse lived experiences of Indy’s immigrant community. Together, we’ll see how, rather than exchanging an old home for a new one, immigrants create a powerful idea: that home is so much more than a place. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about podcast episodes and guests.

Other Programs & Collaborations

Throughout the year, as needs and interests in the community arise and partnerships form, we offer additional opportunities. Other programs we will have this year include:

  • Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Indiana Association of Chinese Americans
    February 22, 2025 from 12 - 4 p.m.
  • Celebrate Guelaguetza Mosaicos (Oaxacan Festival)
    July 12, 2025 from 12 - 4 p.m.

Apply for a Library Card

You may fill out an application ahead of time and take it with you to your library branch. Applications are available in 13 languages.

Amharic / አማርኛ (.pdf)
Arabic \ العربية (.pdf)
Chinese (simplified) / 中文 (.pdf)
English (.pdf)
French / Français (.pdf)
Haitian Creole (.pdf)
Hakha Chin (.pdf)
Karenni (.pdf)
Punjabi / ਪ"ਜਾਬੀ (.pdf)
Spanish / Español (.pdf)
Swahili / Kiswahili (.pdf)
Tigrinya / ትግሪኛ (.pdf)
Yoruba / Èdè Yorùbá (.pdf)

In Our Collection

World Language Book Collection
The Indianapolis Public Library is proud of the programing and partnerships created to serve our community. We are also proud of growing our world language book collection to reflect our growing immigrant community. We have books, movies, language learning audiobooks and citizenship guides for all ages in:

Títulos en Español / Spanish Titles Newsletter
Subscribe to our monthly Spanish email newsletter to receive reading recommendations of recently added Spanish materials. View the most recent issue.

Mango Language Learning Online
Learn English (and 70+ other languages) with Mango! Mango teaches everyday greetings, helpful phrases, and real-life situations. There are 10+ English as a Second Language (ESL) courses offered. Watch this video tutorial or learn more about Mango.

Recommendations from IndyPL Staff
What does it take to become fluent? How do I get started? Find answers to these and many other language related questions in the apps, books, audiobooks, and videos included in this list of resources you can check out with your IndyPL library card.

For questions, partnerships, and programming please contact the Immigrant Outreach Program Specialist, Sakura Fuqua, by email or phone 317-275-4088.

LOTE4Kids Digital Library - 70+ languages!
LOTE4Kids is a digital collection of picture books (e-books and e-audiobooks) in over 70 world languages with an English version available for all books. The collection is for ages 3-8.